Sheffield United: Clough keeps his fingers crossed over Chris

Chris O'Grady wants to remain with Sheffield United until the end of the season � copyright : Blades Sports Photography

Published:00:00Friday 26 December 2014

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Nigel Clough has repeated his desire to retain Chris O’Grady’s services until the end of the season despite a change of management at the on-loan striker’s parent club, writes James Shield.

Brighton and Hove Albion, who captured O’Grady from Barnsley earlier this year, parted company with Sami Hyypia on Monday following a miserable start to the campaign.

Although O’Grady was used only sparingly before being allowed to join Sheffield United last month, the Finn’s decision to resign has prompted claims he could be recalled to the south coast when Hyypia’s permanent successor is unveiled.

However, speaking ahead of today’s League One encounter against Port Vale, Clough said: “The plan, from our perspective, is still to keep Chris here until May. That hasn’t altered from our perspective.

“We’ve not had any contact or discussions with anyone from down there and, to be honest, that’s absolutely fine by me.

“They have a 24 hour recall on Chris anyway after 28 days which is coming-up soon. But it doesn’t necessarily follow that he’ll have to go back because you don’t know what plans the person who will take charge might have.

“In any case, Brighton brought Darren Bent in just before letting Chris come here so they might prefer to put all their efforts into keeping him.”

O’Grady heads to Vale Park searching for his second goal in four United appearances and Clough, the United manager, added: “I think Chris is happy here.”